Philips Consumer Electronics Division Gets New Leader

Philips Consumer Electronics, North America has a new president effective Jan. 1. Reinier Jens, 46, is the new chief. Jens has been with the company in a variety of positions since 1986, most recently as managing director of Philips Consumer Electronics, Northern Europe. Jens replaces Larry Blanford, who was hired to develop and implement a turnaround plan for the North America consumer electronics division, according to Royal Philips President/CEO Gerard Kleisterlee. Blanford is leaving the company.
“Under Larry’s leadership, Philips has made good progress toward a profitable, sustainable consumer electronics business in North America, in particular through repositioning the brand and improving relationships with retail. This provides a good basis for Reinier Jens, who has earned his credentials in the consumer electronics industry, to lead our North America organization successfully into its next phase,” said Kleisterlee.